Outpouring of tributes and emotions for Butch at viewing of his body

Government officials, diplomats, business associates, and staff members turned out at the Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church in St Andrew to pay their respects to Gordon Arthur Cyril ‘Butch’ Stewart, who died late Monday evening in Florida.

Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., politicians and dignitaries, among others, viewed Stewart’s body, which will be interred today at his Rio Chico property in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Members of Stewart’s family shared light laughter as they reminisced on the entrepreneurial giant while others struggled to mask their emotions as they greeted his son, Adam Stewart.

Adam, who is deputy chairman of the Sandals Group, explained the symbolism of the dream chaser as it was the souvenir of choice for guests in attendance. “My dad was a guy that dreams bigger than everybody than I have ever met,” he said. He added that “... there was nothing probably more significant for us that we could think of for those who were able to attend to continue to dream with us”.

The Jamaican Blue Mahoe casket flushed with gold accents was garnished with an all-white arrangement of orchids, roses, and hydrangea requested by the family to portray peace and tranquillity in respect to the jovial hotelier remembered by many as a source of light.

Adam lauded his late father, underlining his “ability to simplify complicated problems”. He said that his father’s legacy extended beyond family to the 1,500 team members across the group of companies and the Caribbean.

When asked for a comment, Bobby Stewart, another son of the respected hotelier, told The Gleaner that he was not able to as he was too sad. His first of eight children, Brian Jardim, was also present. The other children, Jamie Stewart-McConnel, Sabrina, Gordon Jr, and Kelly Stewart were not in attendance.

Audrey Marks, Jamaican ambassador to the United States, hailed Stewart as a selfless businessman. She said he was not only concerned about growing his business, but constantly lent himself to national service, growth, and development. She added that he always made himself accessible and available and recounted a phone call he made to her when she was having challenges as an entrepreneur. “Young girl, I know you are going through some difficulties, and I am here for you,” she recalled.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett echoed earlier expressions about Stewart, saying he had a heart for people. “He has embraced almost every aspect of the industry, and perhaps his passion for people has been his strongest point in his entrepreneurship,” he said. “That’s special because money seems to preoccupy the minds of many, but people preoccupied his time.”

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said that Stewart was sincere in all his interactions. “I really mourn his loss, especially at a time like now,” she said, noting that the pandemic has made mourning much more difficult as they are unable to display their appreciation and love to the extent that they would want to. She recalled how special he made her feel as he always acknowledged her efforts and successes.

Members of Stewart’s family have been in discussion with government officials about several ways they plan to honour Stewart in the near future.

Stewart was founder of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International, as well as The ATL Group and The Jamaica Observer. He died on Monday in the United States at age 79.